Research Priorities

Ontario Sheep Farmers and the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) held a meeting in August, 2013 to develop a Sheep Research Strategy. This strategy and list of priorities has been approved by the Ontario Sheep Farmers board and will serve as the new research priorities. This is a long-term approach to research and will be working towards 2020.

Increase animal and business performance through improved nutritional strategies

3. Marketing, product quality and economics

Research objectives:

To provide Ontario sheep producers with information on the economics of production, business and market opportunities that will enable them to make profitable business decisions

4. Genetics

Research objectives:

To utilize genetic selection as a marketing and production tool in order to produce a high quality, consistent product

5. Reproduction and production systems

Research objectives:

To provide producers with the knowledge to implement the most beneficial production system for the environment in which they operate

6. Environment

Research objectives:

To provide the Ontario sheep industry with the ability to demonstrate its environmental management credentials and the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of its products.

7. Food safety

Research objectives:

To ensure that Ontario sheep meat continues to have an unblemished food safety record. Industry can demonstrate that it is implementing accepted best management practices in food handling along the entire supply chain.

8. Animal welfare

Research objectives:

Provide producers and service personnel with management tools and the knowledge needed to apply them, to alleviate welfare problems before they negatively impact the health of the sheep and/or flock.